State suspends license of chiropractor accused of sex assault

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State regulators have suspended the medical license of a Chicago chiropractor arrested last week for allegedly sexually assaulting a female patient in Highland Park, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation officials said.

Kevin G. Dutton, 38, of Chicago, was charged with criminal sexual assault and two charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in connection with a June 12 incident during a chiropractic treatment in Highland Park, according to Highland Park Police.

Officials with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation ordered Dutton's medical license to be temporarily suspended Tuesday following its own investigation, according to state documents.

That suspension is pending a July 8 hearing before the Medical Disciplinary Board of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, said Susan Hofer, agency spokeswoman. Dutton will be able to challenge the suspension at that time or request a continuance pending criminal proceedings.

Meanwhile, Dutton is due in Lake County court on July 11. If found guilty of any of the felony sex crimes, his license would be automatically revoked, Hofer said.

Any sex crime-related charge would trigger a state-ordered chaperone, Hofer said. Because the allegations involved a patient, the charge prompted the suspension.

Dutton's actions "constitute an immediate danger to the public," according to the order of suspension.

Dutton is accused of sexually assaulting a 22-year-old Lake Forest woman during a chiropractic treatment at Your Wellness Circle, a business on the 800 block of Central Avenue where Dutton works as an independent contractor.

He turned himself in to Highland Park police June 19 after a warrant was issued for his arrest, police have said.

State regulators said Dutton is accused of "digitally penetrating the vagina" of the woman during an exam, according to the report.

Dutton, who was licensed as a doctor of chiropractor by Illinois in 2005, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Highland Park Deputy Police Chief George Pfutzenreuter said last week the incident likely was an isolated event, but police are asking for anyone with information on similar incidents to call (847) 432-7730.

Dutton was released after he posted $10,000 bond, according to Highland Park police.

Your Wellness Circle provides personal training, massage therapy and chiropractic care, according to its website. When reached by phone last Friday, a man who identified himself as a manager said he wasn't aware of the charges and declined to comment further.